Choosing to address both the function and appearance of your nose is a significant decision. You may be experiencing difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum or wish to improve the external shape of your nose to enhance facial balance and self-confidence. In many cases, patients explore the connection between rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose reshaping) and septoplasty (functional correction of the nasal septum).
Understanding the difference between purely functional and purely cosmetic procedures is the first step towards making an informed decision.
At Real Plastic Surgery, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Mr Naveen Cavale explains how these procedures work and what to consider if you want to correct a deviated septum while refining the appearance of your nose.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nasal passages sits off-centre. This can narrow one or both airways, making it harder to breathe comfortably through your nose. It’s a common anatomical variation that may develop naturally or as a result of injury.
When the deviation is significant, it can cause more than simple congestion, affecting how you breathe, sleep, and feel day-to-day.
Common symptoms include:
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Difficulty breathing: Often worse on one side.
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Persistent nasal congestion: A constant feeling of blockage.
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Frequent nosebleeds: Caused by dryness and irritation from restricted airflow.
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Headaches or facial pain: Pressure within the nasal passages can cause discomfort.
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Sleep disturbance: Snoring, mouth breathing, or symptoms of sleep apnoea.
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What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose reshaping or nose job, is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, size, and proportions of the nose. It can improve facial harmony and address functional issues such as breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. During surgery, the bone and cartilage that form the nasal framework are refined. This may include adjusting the nasal tip, smoothing a dorsal hump, narrowing wide nasal bones, or correcting asymmetry.
For patients with functional concerns such as nasal obstruction, snoring, or sleep apnoea, rhinoplasty is often combined with septoplasty (straightening the septum) to improve breathing, or with submucosal resection (SMR) to relieve airway blockages.
At Real Plastic Surgery, Mr Naveen Cavale specialises in both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, achieving natural, long-lasting results that enhance facial harmony while improving nasal airflow.
Can Rhinoplasty Correct a Deviated Septum?
While rhinoplasty primarily focuses on refining the external appearance of the nose, it can also be combined with internal correction of a deviated septum to improve breathing. When both goals are addressed together in one procedure, it’s known as a septorhinoplasty.
A septorhinoplasty merges the cosmetic benefits of rhinoplasty with the functional advantages of septoplasty, allowing your surgeon to improve both form and function at the same time. The operation straightens the internal septum to restore clear airflow while reshaping the external nose for a balanced, natural result.
At Real Plastic Surgery, Mr Cavale performs septorhinoplasty for patients seeking to correct breathing difficulties, restore nasal symmetry, and achieve a refined, proportionate nasal shape in a single operation and recovery.
Suggested Guides:
- Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty Surgery: Key Differences & Which Is Right for You
- Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty: Which Is Better for You?
- Rhinoplasty Surgery Guide: Benefits, Types, Recovery & Procedure
Rhinoplasty vs Septoplasty: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty lies in their purpose: rhinoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the nose, while septoplasty corrects its function. Understanding this distinction helps you and your surgeon decide which approach, or combination, best meets your goals.
| Feature | Septoplasty | Rhinoplasty |
| Primary Goal | To improve nasal airflow and correct breathing difficulties. | To refine the shape, size, or proportions of the nose for aesthetic balance. |
| Target Area | The internal nasal septum, the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal passages. | The external nasal framework; including the bridge, tip, and nostrils. |
| Medical Necessity | Usually performed to treat functional issues such as obstruction or a deviated septum. | Typically, elective and cosmetic, unless reconstruction is required after trauma or previous surgery. |
| Changes to Appearance | Minimal external change unless deviation affects the visible contour of the nose. | Focused on reshaping or refining the external structure for improved facial harmony. |
Benefits of Combining Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
A septorhinoplasty combines structural correction of a deviated septum with external refinement of the nose, improving both breathing and appearance in one operation.
Key benefits include:
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Improved airflow and breathing: Straightening the septum opens blocked airways, reducing snoring, congestion, and sleep disturbance.
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Enhanced facial balance: Correcting both internal deviation and external asymmetry restores a straighter, more harmonious profile.
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Single recovery period: Combining the two procedures means one anaesthetic, one operation, and one recovery process.
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Efficient use of cartilage: Cartilage removed during septoplasty can be repurposed as graft material to support and refine the nasal framework.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Every septorhinoplasty is individualised to your anatomy, goals, and breathing needs. You’ll work closely with Mr Cavale during the planning phase to discuss what you’d like to achieve both functionally and aesthetically.
Before Surgery
Preparation is key to a smooth recovery. You’ll receive detailed pre-operative guidance, which typically includes:
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Medical assessment: Routine blood tests and health checks to ensure you’re fit for anaesthetic.
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Medication adjustments: Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) and certain supplements in the weeks before surgery.
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Smoking cessation: Stopping smoking before surgery supports healing and reduces the risk of complications.
During Surgery
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Anaesthetic: The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and lasts around 1.5–3 hours.
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Incision: Most septorhinoplasties are performed using the open approach, with a small incision across the columella (skin between the nostrils) providing precise visibility and access.
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Septal correction: The nasal lining is gently lifted to straighten and reposition the septum, restoring clear airflow.
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Aesthetic refinement: The external nose is reshaped, refining the tip, smoothing a hump, or narrowing wide nasal bones as needed.
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Closure and support: Dissolvable sutures are used to close incisions. Internal splints support the septum, and an external splint protects the nose as it heals.
After Surgery and Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Following your aftercare plan carefully helps ensure a smooth recovery and lasting results.
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Initial recovery: Expect 1–2 weeks off work for rest and healing.
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Swelling and bruising: These are normal and peak within the first few days, improving significantly after two weeks. Keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling.
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Splint removal: Usually at around one week post-op.
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Final results: Early improvements are visible once swelling settles, but full refinement takes 6–12 months as tissues fully heal.
Book a Consultation
If you’re considering improving both the function and appearance of your nose, book a consultation with Mr Naveen Cavale, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Real Plastic Surgery in London.
During your consultation, Mr Cavale will assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and recommend the safest and most effective approach to achieve results that look natural and help you breathe comfortably.
020 3031 0820
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